BARB appoints new non-executive chairman

BARB has announced the appointment of Nigel Sharrocks as non-executive Chairman.

Sharrocks, who recently left his role as chief executive of Aegis Media, succeeds Nigel Walmsley who has been Chairman for the past 11 years. Sharrocks joined Aegis in 2004 from Warner Bros. Pictures UK, where he had been managing director since 1999. He also brings experience from Grey Advertising and MediaCom.

Paul Bainsfair, director general of the IPA and BARB board director, said: “Nigel Walmsley has been an excellent chair of BARB since 2002. His experience and wisdom have successfully kept BARB on track – initially through a challenging period for the organisation and, in recent years, through a time of extraordinary change in television.

“He hands over a strong and confident BARB to Nigel Sharrocks, whom we are delighted to welcome on board after interviewing a strong field of applicants.”

Nigel Sharrocks said: “The brief for BARB under new chief executive Justin Sampson is an exciting and challenging one. Its services deliver data that underpin investment decisions made by the broadcasting and advertising industry of £7 billion per year. It’s a very exciting time to be getting involved.”